Next Steps:
Pursue meetings with the community affairs and charitable foundation staffs of Baltimore’s local sports teams to identify opportunities to expand future partnerships.

Analysis:
Baltimore is home to two of professional sports most profitable franchises: the Baltimore Orioles and the Baltimore Ravens. Additionally, the city is home to a professional indoor soccer (the Baltimore Blast) and basketball (the Baltimore BayRunners). These sports franchises represent an important part of the city’s identity and constitute a tremendous source of civic pride.

Players from these organizations are very visible members of the Baltimore community involved in a wide range of charitable and community programs. Current Orioles such as Cal Ripken, Jr., Brady Anderson, and B.J. Surhoff have very visible community profiles through their charitable efforts on behalf of Baltimore’s children. Additionally, current Ravens Rob Burnett, Jonathan Ogden, and Tony Siragusa have established foundations focused on improving the lives of children.

The Orioles’ Charitable Foundation and the Ravens’ Foundation for Families are conduits through which each respective organization can provide structured opportunities for its players to give something back to the community. These entities help direct organizational giving and manage funding requests. In the past, the Department has been involved with these organizations through special events (e.g. football clinics sponsored by the Ravens). The Department must increase its efforts to cultivate relationships with these foundations and proactively create appealing programs that will attract the interest and financial support of Baltimore’s sports teams.